portable air pumps v Big air c02.

I've noticed in the "what multi tool do you use thread that there is alot of mention of portable air pump . Any big air users out there? Personalti only load myself with hydration pack only (no pockets) and a seat post mount saddle bag with spare tube, multi tool and a co2 canister nothing bulky and want to stay as light as I can. But those portable air pumps look awful tempting.

Every time i walk into the LBS and see the price tags on new bikes it makes me enjoy and appreciate my Ol' ride even more.

I bought a CO2 inflator looking to use something smaller and lighter. I did have an incident where I used all the cartidges I carried (Icarry for my GF and myself). Lucky i had a POS pump as a back-up that could get just enough air in the tire to ride. I now carry a Topeak Road Morph in my pack. I know, road pump for a MTB, but this is the best pump I've used - hose makes attaching it easy and it pumps up a tire pretty fast. I'd be more than happy giving the inflator to someone that would use it well.

CO2 cartridges are quick and easy to use but there are three problems I can think of: once they the cartridge is empty, it's empty, CO2 leaks faster than air through the tube/tire, and if you are running Stan's sealant, supposedly CO2 has negative effects. Basically what I'm saying is CO2 should be used in emergency situations that's pretty much it.

Mini pumps are nice and can pump air as long as your arm can take it, they are small, and inexpensive.

I have both CO2 and mini pump but if you're asking one or the other, I'd recommend the mini pump.

Right now I've been riding without a pump and have been very fortunate not to have needed one. Of course, it's only a matter of time. I was leaning toward Topeak's Mountain Morph (great reviews) but it is 13.8" in length and weighs 250g. That's not that bad if you have a pack but I'm a little concerned about those rides that don't require a pack yet I still may be 10 miles away from car. It looks like Topeak's RaceRocket MT is the perfect pump for me. It has an extendable flexible hose, only 7.7", 114g and pumps a higher volume of air for mountain bikes. Does anyone have any experience with this one?

Right now I've been riding without a pump and have been very fortunate not to have needed one. Of course, it's only a matter of time.

Yeah, you have definitely been fortunate. I've been doing road riding on the weekends and only carry minimal tools in my jersey pockets (phone, patch kit, CO2 cartridge). I don't do crazy long rides but tend to average a bit over 20 miles per hour while I'm riding. Anyway, I also have had very good luck with not getting flats. I was riding about a week and a half ago when a gun went off and my rear tire was gone. I was five miles away from anywhere, in road shoes, everyone I knew was gone, and I didn't have a tube (but had everything necessary to fix a flat (8 inch tear)). I guess the moral of the story is carry something because there's this guy named Murphy...

i liek CO2 for how quick and easy it is. i like pumps (seriously love the topeak morph series) for how cheap they are and for multiday excursions, how they can basically replace a floor pump. for racing/riding laps at the local trails i just rock a co2 with a couple cartridges, for longer stuff or places where there's an increased risk or penalty for flats, i roll a topeak road morph (slightly smaller volume, but it has a gauge)

I have an old Topeak Mountain Morph that keeps going and going, but it's a beast to carry around. Most of the time, I try to leave my Camelback at home so carrying the Topeak is a pain.

I am really interested in the Lezyne pumps right now. very small, well-made from aluminum, has a hose to avoid damaging the valve, not terribly expensive. I am not sure if I should get the small on or the "medium" one, and if I should get the Pressure Drive or the HV Drive one.